No more phone numbers; only usernames; WhatsApp rolls out new features
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London: In a significant move aimed at reshaping user privacy, WhatsApp is introducing new security features for its global user base, directly challenging the upgraded messaging system from Apple based on RCS.
The most notable change is the introduction of a username feature, allowing users to chat without sharing their phone numbers. Until now, a phone number was mandatory to send messages, but the new update will enable users to connect using unique usernames, similar to features already available on Telegram and Signal. This is expected to significantly enhance privacy, especially for users reluctant to share personal contact details with strangers.
The update also expands WhatsApp’s disappearing content options. While the platform previously allowed “view once” images and videos, it will now extend this feature to regular text messages. Messages sent using this option will automatically disappear after being read, offering greater control over conversations that users do not want permanently stored.
However, the rollout comes amid ongoing criticism over data security. Despite WhatsApp’s claims of end-to-end encryption, concerns persist about message backups stored on cloud services by companies like Google and Apple. Pavel Durov has claimed that nearly 95% of WhatsApp messages stored in the cloud lack encryption, raising serious concerns over data vulnerability. Reports indicate that many users do not enable encrypted backups, leaving their data exposed.
The timing of the update is notable, coming just ahead of Apple’s rollout of enhanced security measures for iPhone users, signalling an intensifying battle between major tech platforms over privacy and user trust.
